The analysis indicates that the dominant models of digital education in today's educational practices in Poland do not adequately address all the needs and challenges faced by children and youth in the new media environment. There is a need to explore a more holistic approach, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of competence and maintaining the proper balance between its components: attitude, knowledge, and skills. The undervalued source for the new integrated model presented in this paper is the stream of critical pedagogy, viewed as a necessary condition for enhancing the agency of individuals and social groups, as well as promoting the democratization of society.